Focused Ultrasound Presented at Milken Institute Global Conference

On May 3, Chairman Neal F. Kassell, MD, attended the Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills, CA, at the invitation of Chairman of the Milken Institute and Foundation Council member, Michael Milken.

In his introduction of Dr. Kassell, Mr. Milken referred to him as “a friend of more than 45 years, and an individual who is changing the world in many ways for all of us.” Dr. Kassell then shared the story of focused ultrasoundat a plenary session of 4,500 on the final morning of the conference.

At the conclusion of his talk, Dr. Kassell introduced former Vice President Joseph Biden, whom he joked is “the only politician in Washington that I am certain has a brain … because I’ve seen it.” Vice President Biden shared the story of how he came to know Dr. Kassell – who operated on him for a brain aneurysm in 1988 – saying, “I’d rather be on the stage with him than on the operating table with him.” VP Biden then talked about the Cancer Moonshot, discussing how the impact of cancer on his family led him to the forefront of the fight against cancer.

In addition to his appearance alongside Mr. Milken and VP Biden, Dr. Kassell participated in a panel, “Things That Will Blow Your Mind” – one of the best-attended panels with the most online views of the entire conference. Dr. Kassell and his fellow panelists discussed various fields of neuroscience that are advancing ways in which the brain interfaces with technology. They also talked about how the field of medicine is accelerating due to these remarkable technological advances – including the potential of focused ultrasound as a possible treatment for a number of diseases and conditions.

As the discussion drew to a close, moderator Richard Sandler asked Dr. Kassell to leave the audience with “something positive.” Dr. Kassell replied, “We are at the beginning of a difficult road that will take us to the point where, I believe, we can non-invasively improve the quality of life and longevity, and decrease the cost of care, for countless people with the most devastating disorders afflicting mankind.”

The Milken Global Conference annually "convenes the best minds in the world to tackle the most stubborn challenges."